15 Best Hot Springs in Colorado in 2024

While Colorado brings snow and hiking to mind, it’s also famous for its rejuvenating hot springs — geothermally-heated pools of water that reach temperatures from the mid-60s to 110°F.

The best hot springs in Colorado offer a luxe spa or family fun-focused experience, making them a popular destination for all types of travelers. From deep springs with diving boards and slides to those tucked away in spa-like settings surrounded by mountain views, we’ll show you the 15 best hot springs in Colorado below. 

The 15 Best Hot Springs in Colorado in 2024

Imagine submerging yourself in warm waters heated naturally under the Earth’s crust after enjoying a rewarding hike through Colorado’s mountain trails, carving down ski slopes, or getting a stress-melting massage. There’s a reason so many people seek out these healing springs! 

Minerals like magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, fluoride, potassium, and (sometimes) sulfur add a special healing element to these heated springs. The ability to float weightlessly in the springs and even enjoy low-impact exercise make them especially beneficial. 

While the state offers tons of hot springs, some are a little too hot to enjoy safely and others are a bit remote for most travelers to enjoy. The best hot springs in Colorado are what we’re focused on here — the ones that are easy to reach, offer lodging and spa options, or are packed with fun activities and amenities that families can enjoy. 

1. Strawberry Park Hot Springs

• Location: 44200 County Road #36, Steamboat Springs, CO
• Hours: Sun.-Thur. 10AM-10PM, Fri.-Sat. 10AM-12AM
• Admission: $20 per person (cash only)

Just 15 minutes from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you’ll arrive at Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, nestled in a wooded area surrounded by mountains with intricate stonework creating multiple pools from the natural hot springs bubbling up from the ground. 

The pools at Strawberry Park are typically no cooler than 102°F, which is roughly equivalent to water in a hot tub. The springs are open year-round, even on holidays, and can be even more enchanting to visit when snow blankets the ground. You get 2 hours to enjoy the springs with a pool reservation. 

Strawberry Park’s spa offers rejuvenating massages, both table and Watsu varieties, to enhance your relaxation experience. There are plenty of spots for a picnic on the grounds with great views of the springs and the Rocky Mountains. 

If you’ll be spending the night at the onsite lodge, you can visit the hot springs after dark if you’re hoping for a relaxing soak sans bathing suit (children are not permitted after sundown). 

Getting to the springs is easy from Steamboat Springs nearby. Two shuttle companies drive visitors to the springs (Sweet Pea Tours and Hot Springs Shuttle) if you’re looking for the most convenient option. 

A heated changing cabin, restrooms, and outdoor areas are available to use. The springs are open year-round, but easier to reach between May and October (4WD vehicles with snow chains are required from November to May 1). 

2. Glenwood Hot Springs

• Location: 401 N River St, Glenwood Springs, CO
• Hours: Daily from 9AM-9PM
• Admission: $32-43 (adults/teens), $22-28 (children)

Nestled in scenic Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Hot Springs is a family-friendly resort tucked away in the Rocky Mountains and totally surrounded by dense forests and rugged scenery. Home to the world’s largest hot spring pool, it’s a must-visit if you’re headed to Colorado. 

The ancient healing hot springs contain 15 minerals that were revered by the Ute tribe as “Yampah,” meaning “big medicine.” Soak and swim in the filtered 90-93°F Grand Pool or the warmer 104°F Therapy Pool with power jets that soothe sore muscles.

Kids can enjoy the Sopris Splash Zone with thrilling river-style chutes, manmade waterfalls, mini water slides, and gushing fountains! Stay at the charming onsite lodge to enjoy complimentary breakfast and free admission to the springs.

There are also cabana rentals available, private overlook lounging areas, a grill and snack bar, and an Athletic Club fitness center with weights, cardio equipment, sauna, and hot tub. 

Unlike some of the other hot springs in Colorado, Glenwood Springs doesn’t time-limit your visit. You can re-enter the pools all day long once you buy your day pass and get your hand stamped. 

Getting to the springs via car is convenient from Vail, Aspen, and Grand Junction (all roughly an hour away). Take the California Zephyr Amtrak train from Denver to Glenwood Springs and cross the pedestrian bridge to get to the resort! 

3. The Springs Resort

• Location: 323 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO
• Hours: Daily from 9AM-9:30PM
• Admission: $67 (adults), $35 (children)

The legendary Pagosa hot springs — the deepest in the world — flow under the surface of The Springs Resort in an idyllic mountain town in the Rockies. Pagosa is the Ute word for “healing springs,” referring to the 13 minerals flowing in these steamy waters.

The Springs Resort offers 25 pools to soak and play in. It’s an amazing place for adults and kids alike, and even features a special adults-only area (Relaxation Terrace) with 5 exclusive pools centered on peace and quiet in a gorgeous, natural setting. 

From the Blue Lagoon to Clouds in My Coffee, the pools here have unique character. Temperatures range from a chilly 45°F in the Plunge Pool to as high as 112°F in the aptly-named Lobster Pot pool.

Some pools feature waterfalls and others are large enough to swim laps or enjoy a water yoga session. Rent a family cabana if you’d like to stay and soak for a half or full day and you won’t be staying at the resort!

Fuel up for a Forest Bathing Hike or laps around Blue Lagoon with the outdoor grill, restaurant, and cafe on the grounds. A bar offers buzz-worthy drinks that are best enjoyed from the Relaxation Terrace at sunset.

Stay in the beautiful mountain lodge to score free 24-hour admission to the springs. Massages and spa treatments (60+ minutes) include free admission to the springs, so lie down for an essential oil massage, facial, or skin care service before you indulge in the warmth of the pools.

4. Hot Sulphur Springs

• Location: 5609 Spring Rd, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
• Hours: Daily from 8AM-10PM
• Admission: $26 (adults 12-65), $20 (seniors 65+), $14 (children 4-11)

Hot Sulphur Springs was first transformed into a soaking zone with the initial bath house built here in the 1850s. There are 7 hot springs on this part of the mountain and 16 pools where the warm waters bubble and steam alongside the mighty Colorado River. 

If you’re looking for a natural experience, Hot Sulphur Springs is the place for you. The pools here aren’t filtered by anything but the ground and no chemicals are added so you can enjoy an experience centered on total wellness.

Gravity alone feeds the pools with no pumps in sight, just hot water rising 35,000 feet up from the Earth’s interior at temperatures from 98-112°F to soothe and rejuvenate you. 

Sodium, sulfate, magnesium, potassium, and calcium are examples of the 12 minerals that the hot spring waters are richly imbued with, enhancing your soak with healing potential and the ability to lower blood pressure, boost heart function, and improve mental health.

Combine the healing benefits of the springs with a deep tissue or Swedish massage at the quaint spa on the grounds. You can stay in the quaint Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa to enjoy the springs at no extra cost each day you stay.

Hot Sulphur Springs offers a discount if you arrive late (after 8:15PM), so consider heading out in the evening after dinner if you’ve spent the day in the Hot Sulphur State Wildlife Area or Windy Gap Wildlife Viewing Area nearby. 

5. Waunita Hot Springs Ranch

• Location: 8007 County Rd. 887 Gunnison, CO 81230
• Hours: Select dates from 10AM-6PM
• Admission: $25 (adults), $20 (seniors 65+ & students), $15 (children 3-11)

Owned and operated by the local Pringle family since 1962, Waunita Hot Springs Ranch is home to one of Colorado’s largest private hot spring pools and offers a no-frills way to experience the heat and calming properties of a geothermal spring. 

The ranch is popular for groups, like weddings and church groups, that come to ride horses, ski, bathe in the springs, bike rugged trails, or interact with the animals and livestock on the ranch. But if you’re lucky enough to catch an open date for day use, you can come to use the springs without a group. 

The famous hot spring at Waunita is huge, spanning 90 feet long and 35 feet wide, so you’ll have plenty of room to swim laps, play in the waters, and enjoy the heat even in the coldest winter months. A soak after a ski run or snowmobile ride is pure ecstasy! 

The waters here stay in the 95-102°F range year-round, offering temperatures that feel similar to a hot tub (there’s one of those here, too) and work wonders on sore joints and muscles. There’s a changing area with showers to clean up after your soak. 

Nearby Monarch Mountain and Crested Butte Mountain Resort are hotspots for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing hikes. In summer, people enjoy fishing at Blue Mesa nearby, biking, hiking, and engaging with the ranch animals. 

Always be sure to check availability for day use before you head out to the ranch. It’s a popular place that usually books up quickly for groups and private events. 

6. Old Town Hot Springs

• Location: 136 Lincoln Avenue Steamboat Springs, CO
• Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6AM-9PM, Sat.-Sun. 7AM-9PM
• Admission: $29 (ages 15+), $26 (seniors 65+), $23 (children 3-14)

Bringing kids along or want a super-convenient location in the heart of a historic mountain town? Check out Old Town Hot Springs in downtown Steamboat Springs, CO for 4 family-friendly hot pools and spas of varying size and temperature. 

The warm waters here are rich in 12 different minerals. The 103°F Heart Spring is for ages 18+, and it feeds all 4 pools. It’s all-natural, never mixed with cool fresh water or chlorinated because it pumps out so purely at the perfect temperature.

The 98°F main hot pool is where most of the action is (like water yoga, fountains, bridges, and a 37-foot climbing wall) is chlorinated. Spa 3 (jetted with 104°F water) and Spa 1 (smaller with 103°F water) are other options for a slow, serene soak. 

The Icebox, a cold plunge tub kept at 55°F, is also available for a quick cool-down with potential body benefits after a warm soak or on a hot summer day!

On the property, you’ll also find a fitness center and spa to enjoy before or after your stress-melting soak in the hot springs. Fitness classes, from yoga and pilates to spin and rowing, are usually available for $29 per class.

Get here via a shuttle from your Steamboat Springs hotel or take the free bus to the Lincoln Avenue and 3rd Street stop. 

7. Indian Hot Springs

• Location: 302 Soda Creek Road, Idaho Springs, CO
• Hours: 8:30AM-9:30PM weekdays, 8AM-7PM weekends + 7:30-9:30PM adult swim
• Admission: $30-35 (ages 3+); 1 hr. outdoor tubs $30-$35

Located just a half hour from Denver, Indian Hot Springs is an immersion into steamy hot springs, secluded caves, tropical flora, and vacation vibes right here in Colorado’s Idaho Springs, located in scenic Clear Creek Canyon among the mountains.

Here, a turquoise-colored mineral hot pool (80-90°F) is covered with a clear atrium where banana trees, giant ferns, and exotic flowers bloom year-round. Built-in pool benches are the perfect place to get your soak on, but it’s large enough to do some swimming and enjoy the warmth of the water. 

Seeking hotter water with the privacy and enchanted surroundings of a cave? Head to the Men’s or Women’s Caves (18+), where steaming pools of 108-112°F water can be enjoyed in total shade and luxury. Swim attire is optional on weekdays. 

Outdoor hot tubs on the grounds are perfect for a private soak with a 6-ft fence and your own serene zone to enjoy the 106-110°F water. There are private baths indoors at the same temperature if you’d prefer an even more secluded experience. 

While you’re here, stay in charming cabins or the cozy rooms of the 150 year-old lodge, take advantage of Club Mud for detoxifying skin treatments, or visit the wellness spa for massages in a tranquil setting.

8. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort

• Location: 15870 County Road 162 Nathrop, CO
• Hours: Daily from 9AM-9PM
• Admission: $35-40 (Mon.-Thur.), $35-$45 (Fri.-Sun.)

Hot springs are even better when you’ve got options! At Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop, CO, choose from the soaking pool, exercise pool, creekside rock-lined hot springs, and infinity pool when you come to soak away your worries and stress. 

Your general admission ticket gives you access to most of the hot spring attractions here, including the Historic Bath House, creekside springs, upper soaking and exercise pools, and the infinity pool. There’s a water slide you can use for an additional $7 charge. 

While some hot springs in Colorado have clothing-optional days or areas, the pools here, ranging from 70-120°F, are 100% family-friendly. On the grounds of this lovely resort, you’ll find a spa and clubhouse available for overnight guests. 

The hot springs here are just an hour and a half from Waunita Ranch’s hot springs near Gunnison, so hit both stops on your trip! Note that the infinity pool’s hours are shorter (10AM-5PM on weekends only). 

Stay at the lodge, enjoy top-tier dining at spots like the Biergarten, Princeton Market, or Mary Murphy’s Steakhouse, and savor long days enjoying the comfort and warmth of the springs in a gorgeous setting. 

9. Orvis Hot Springs

• Location: 1585 County Rd. 3 Ridgway, CO
• Hours: Daily from 9AM-9PM
• Admission: $28 (all-day 13+), $24 (1h. dip), $12 (ages 4-12)

Nestled in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, the peace and tranquility of Orvis Hot Springs might be just the oasis you’ve been looking for in Colorado. The mineral-rich (especially high in lithium) waters reach 65-112°F for blissful soaking. 

There are 10 ponds and soaking pools to take full advantage of the muscle-soothing heat at Orvis Hot Springs. Inhale the fresh air and take in the views of mountain peaks and ridges all around you.

Come to soak in scenic spots like The Pond, the gentle waterfall ambience of the Island Pond, the teeth-chattering Cold Plunge, and the tiny Lobster Pot (the hottest of the pools). 

Can’t get enough of this beautiful space? Camping, lodge stays, and a spa offering relaxing massages are all on the premises if you decide to take your visit up a notch. At the quiet Watsu Pool, get an hour-long Watsu massage with techniques borrowed from shiatsu massage and aqua therapy. 

The onsite lodge features charming rooms with custom furniture. All lodge and camping guests get access to the hot springs 24 hours a day throughout the stay! 

10. Sand Dunes Recreation Natural Hot Artesian Water

• Location: 1991 County Road 63 Hooper, CO
• Hours: 1-8PM (winter), 10AM-10PM (summer), closed Thurs.
• Admission: $18 (ages 13+), $12 (3-12, military, students, and 65+)

​At Sand Dunes Recreation, a lush greenhouse filled with tropical plants contains 4 natural hot spring pools that are open to use for swimming and relaxing soaks. You’ll feel like you’re wrapped up in the jungle as you enjoy the warmth emanating from these artesian waters. 

A large main pool kept at 98°F is a favorite spot for swimming laps and jumping in with sunshine illuminating the heated waters. A smaller baby pool is located in a shady area at one end. But the real treat are the hot springs pools tucked away in the adults-only 10,000-square foot Greenhouse.

There’s an additional fee to enter ($7 or $4 for campers) with 4 pools at 98-111°F surrounded by exotic, leafy plants, a patio area, dry sauna, and the Steel Box Bar. For kids, a 24-foot water slide, basketball court, volleyball court, and creek are fun options. 

Head to the Mile Deep Grille for yummy eats and treats after a soak, or check out the gift shop if you need to stock up on sunscreen, local goods, and water toys.

You can enjoy your meal inside, out at the picnic tables, or opt to bring ingredients from home and grill something up at the provided charcoal grills if you’d prefer.

11. Valley View Hot Springs

• Location: 64393 County Road GG, Moffat, CO
• Hours: Daily from 11AM-8PM
• Admission: $17 (ages 16+ summer), $15 (ages 16+ winter)

Valley View Hot Springs is one of the more unique Colorado hot springs. Unlike others, the heat for the pools, ponds, and sauna doesn’t come from within the Earth — they’re all pure, clean spring water heated with sustainable hydroelectric energy! 

Enjoy the chlorine-free main swimming pool kept between 80-90°F, a smaller kid’s pool, and the Apple Tree pools with hydroelectrically-heated spring water flowing through cascades that vary the water temperature for an awesome series of swimming experiences. 

The 2-4-foot deep natural rock ponds here can be reached via short hiking trails for total seclusion and offer a more natural experience. Here, 93-107°F waters bubble up through smooth gravels as scenic mountain views, short rock walls, and wildlife surrounds you. 

Enjoy the Meadow Pond, Waterfall Pond, Soaking Pond, and Top Ponds for different experiences in the beautiful wilderness here. All are swimwear-optional, so be mindful if you’re thinking about bringing kids. 

There’s a hydroelectric sauna that gets a lot of attention as a uniquely sustainable option that’s powered entirely by the onsite hydroelectric power plant. Choose a wet (cool or 130-160°F steam) or dry experience in the sauna with a heated changing room where robes, towels, and slippers are provided. 

Take $4 off the admission price if you come for a “Quick Dip” of 2 hours or less in winter or summer. Kids under 16 are always free! 

12. Joyful Journey Hot Springs

• Location: 28640 CR 58 EE, Moffat, CO
• Hours: 9:30AM-10PM (Sun.-Wed.), 9:30AM-8PM (Thur.-Sat.)
• Admission: $18 (ages 15-64), $15 (ages 5-14 and 65+)

Stay in a native-style tipi nestled in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains for a one-of-a-kind hot springs experience at Joyful Journey Hot Springs in Moffat, Colorado. Camping, yurts, tipis, and hotel rooms make it easy to stay for a day or two to enjoy it in full. 

Waters in the naturally-heated pools come from the hot travertine mineral springs on the property, which start out as hot as 145°F. Cool water is added to bring the temperature to a pleasantly warm 98-108°F. 

Hop in the cool pool (98°F) for a mineral-rich soak without as much heat. Opt for the Tower Pool if you want hot tub-like waters at 104°F. The quiet View Pool stays around 108°F for the hottest experience and is helpful for joint and muscle pain. 

There are two jacuzzis kept at 104°F year-round for a small and intimate soaking experience. An onsite spa offers massages, yoga classes, and beauty treatments that can restore and rejuvenate a weary body, mind, and soul. 

Enjoy a special discount on Tuesdays with $12 entry for all ages. Take advantage of combo packages, like Yogo Combo on Saturdays and Sundays with a morning yoga class, breakfast, and hot springs soaking until 8PM for $28. 

Daily breakfast (a la carte and continental offerings) and themed lunch/dinner menus, like Caribbean Tuesdays and Pasta Thursdays, await guests who stay at Joyful Journey. 

13. Splashland Hot Springs

• Location: 5895 Highway 17, Alamosa, CO
• Hours: 11AM-7PM Tue.-Sat., closed 5PM Sun.-Mon.
• Admission: $11 (ages 16-59), $8 (60+), $3 (4-15)

Splashland Hot Springs in Alamosa, Colorado is a great family fun destination with a huge pool, water slides, a diving board, and lap swimming lanes if you’d like to get some exercise in during your visit. 

The pool is naturally heated with 102°F water that cools to around 88-96°F in the ambient air of the Colorado valley. Is there anything better than enjoying pleasantly warm water while you look up at the Colorado sky and feel the weightlessness of floating in a pristine pool? We think not! 

With warm waters year-round, it’s an ideal spot to visit on your way to or from nearby Joyful Journey Hot Springs in Moffat or The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs.

Water aerobics, parent and child, and child swimming classes are all available here seasonally. Look for special rates on Family Nights between 5 and 7PM, when you can score admission for just $5 each or $15 for a family of 4. 

14. Twin Peaks Hot Springs

• Location: 125 3rd Ave Ouray, CO
• Hours: Daily from 8AM-7PM (until 10PM for overnight guests)
• Admission: $39 (ages 13-64), $34 (65+), $19.50 (3-12)

With 9 varying-temperature hot springs tubs heated deep within the Earth’s crust for an amazing, spa-like experience, a visit to Twin Peaks Hot Springs in scenic Ouray, Colorado in the San Juan Mountains is well worth your time.

Arrive to take a quick dip or a long, rejuvenating soak in the mineral-rich waters that pump out around 156°F before the resort cools them down with fresh water for a pleasant 100-106°F soaking temperature. 

Easing your body into this immersive heat can feel like you’re drawing out toxins, releasing tension, and relieving pain and stress with a simple soak. Total relaxation is possible in any of the 9 hot springs tubs, but there are also areas for adults-only access if you’re seeking peace and quiet. 

The waters at Twin Peaks have 12 minerals present with very low sulfur (sulfate) content, lending them a fresher smell that makes it enjoyable to spend an entire day or more here. 

You can add a visit to the Vapor Caves (thermal caves) for an extra $25 per person. On the grounds, you’ll also find the yummy Mineshaft Restaurant, Sage Spa, and fun options like Ouray Mountain Adventures Jeep Rentals to explore the San Juan Mountains. 

15. Aqua Hot Spring Cabin

• Location: 15654 Co Rd 289A, Nathrop, CO
• Hours: 9AM-12PM or 2-5PM (day use)
• Admission: $144 (1-2 adults, day use)

Love the idea of hot springs, but not sure about sharing the space with other eager bathers? Check out Aqua Hot Springs Cabin in Nathrop, Colorado near Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort for a totally private experience.

There are options to book day use or to access the hot spring bundled with your cabin rental in the heart of the mountains. Add special services like massage, sound immersion therapy, yoga classes, and more for an additional price. 

Secluded from civilization and noise, you’ll be able to relax and soak in your own private hot spring just a few steps out back when you book a day-use soak or overnight stay at this quaint cabin with plenty of wellness-focused amenities.

The waters flow from the Chalk Creek Aquifer with no chemicals added or minerals removed. The water starts out around 120°F, but is diverted to ensure 101-108°F water that’s just right for soaking. The hot spring pool is refilled between guests so you can be sure of its cleanliness. 

Enjoy the wilderness and peace of this mountain retreat with your own personal hot spring to relieve aches, restore a sense of peace and wellness, and help you recover from Colorado’s thrilling outdoor adventures. 

Things to Consider

Soaking in one of the best hot springs in Colorado is sounding better all the time! Before you do, there are some important things to know about using hot springs to get the most out of your soak. 

• Know what not to bring. Many hot springs don’t allow outside food, drinks, glass containers, or alcohol, so check before you book. Some of the best hot springs in Colorado have onsite grills and snack bars where you can purchase breakfast, lunch, dinner, or quick bites while you enjoy the springs. 
• Avoid hot springs if you have certain conditions. Pregnant women, diabetics, people with high blood pressure or heart problems, and anyone with deep wounds or cuts should not use hot springs without approval from a doctor. Some people with a rare type of epilepsy experience seizures triggered by very hot water and should avoid hot springs as well. 
• Limit your time in the hottest water. While many hot springs infuse cool water into the geothermally-heated water from the springs, some don’t if the temperature isn’t dangerously high. But at 120°F, just 5 minutes of exposure can cause third degree burns. Limit your time in very hot springs to avoid burns. 
• Keep an eye on the kids. If you’re bringing children to hot springs, make sure you’re constantly supervising and limiting their time in the hot water. Be especially careful with very young children under age 5. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Hot springs have an almost mystical quality, leaving first-time soakers with a lot of questions. Take a look at the most frequently asked questions below to learn more! 

So, What’s the Best Hot Spring in Colorado?

The best hot springs in Colorado can be found throughout the state, in spots both secluded and tranquil and those with family fun attractions that will thrill the entire crew. 

What’s your goal for your hot spring trip — ultimate rest and relaxation, or the added bonus of naturally heated water with slides, multiple pools, and pretty surroundings? Knowing the answer will help you pinpoint the best hot spring spot in Colorado for you. 

Whether you’re out for a meditative hot spring session or exciting warm-water pool days, you’ll find what you’re looking for among the 15 best hot springs in Colorado. Maximize the trip by visiting more than one!